JOHANNESBURG/NEW YORK/GENEVA, 15 January 2009 ? Women in the world's least developed countries are 300 times more likely to die in childbirth or from pregnancy-related complications than women in developed countries, according to UNICEF's latest State of the World's Children report, released here today.

ANKARA, 15 January 2009 ? UNICEF's flagship annual report, 'The State of the World's Children' was unveiled by UNICEF Turkey Representative Reza Hossaini in Ankara on Thursday January 15 as part of its worldwide launch.more

NEW YORK, 8 January 2009 ? UNICEF is deeply concerned that the ongoing violence has forced UNRWA to suspend its humanitarian operation in Gaza. This can only deepen an already critical humanitarian situation and put children at even greater risk of death or permanent damage. The distribution of food, water, fuel and medicine should not be impeded.more

Attributable to Ms. Sigrid Kaag, Regional Director, Middle East and North Africa

AMMAN, 5 JANUARY 2009 ? The humanitarian crisis caused by the current violence in Gaza is hitting children and women the most. Children form over half of Gaza's population of nearly 1.5 million and are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Being the most vulnerable part of the population, children are the first to be psychologically distressed, the most in need of medical support and the most exposed to injuries among civilians in times of conflict.

The Gaza Strip has been under heavy military attack since the morning of Saturday, 27 December. Bombings have affected thousands of civilians including refugees, who represent over 70% of the population in Gaza. UNRWA has made all possible efforts to continue its activities, whenever possible, and to provide emergency assistance to those affected by the escalation of the conflict. Although the immediate future remains uncertain, the extent of structural damage and human suffering to date and the likelihood of protracted hostilities require that the Agency be prepared to meet the needs of a growing number of affected civilians in the days and weeks to come.